Austin Guitar School - Seth Forster Bio

Seth Forster

Indiana native Seth Forster has been teaching guitar since 2001. He specializes in rock, from classic rock to modern, blues, country and classical guitar. He currently plays for the "outlaw country"/Southern-rock-oriented Aaron Navarro band, the R&B and pop-inflected Smash Riley, Latin-pop band Latin at Heart and maintains a solo classical guitar career.

Inspired by the lack of guitar-oriented music in the early 90s and the discovery of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Seth was determined to put the electric guitar back in the forefront of rock music…at least in his own world. The classic rock staples-Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Neil Schon, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page-all had their impact, but so did the pop-oriented hooks of the new "alternative" bands like Green Day and Offspring. In contrast, Seth's guitar teacher was the former soul/jazz session guitarist Greg Moore who taught him about the importance of technique, theory and groove.

After high school Seth attended Indiana University and graduated with a BA in Music where he studied under one of the world's most exciting classical guitarists, Atanas Tzvetkov. He also studied Music Journalism there and discovered the 70s and 80s alternative and punk/post-punk bands that would soon influence his playing. While at IU he was fortunate enough to have several classes with jazz legend David Baker and jazz guitarist Dave Devine. Meanwhile, Seth toured and recorded with the super-versatile Sideburn Mike & the Lawsuits, a rock-oriented 4-piece that hosted blues jams, headlined a jazz fest several years and consistently ranked amongst the top of the Reader's Choice Awards for best original and cover rock band at IU.

A music fanatic for as long as he can remember, Seth prides himself on being able to play a variety of styles well. Duke Ellington once said something to the effect of "there are only two kinds of music: good and bad." With that attitude in mind, Seth approached all styles of guitar playing. An open-minded study of music helped him to develop as a player and teacher in ways that most players seem to neglect. It also lends itself to playing in a variety of settings, and his experience recording in the band Sideburn Mike and for his solo classical guitar CD, GuitArtistry, add to this.

Teaching philosophy

As a player who truly loves so many different artists and styles, I feel it would be impossible not to incorporate that sense of individuality into my teaching. Looking back, I couldn't have had a better group of instructors and mentors because they all focused on such different aspects. As a result, I've learned to look at each student as an individual. Though some are more serious or focused than others I feel that every student should learn proper technique, the importance of playing in rhythm and some basic theory. With this sort of a strong foundation the student will be able to learn songs quicker and be able to become independent instead of simply coming to me every time. It also helps the student be more creative so that he or she can write and play their own music. In every situation I try to make the theory as practical as possible by using examples of riffs or songs they know. I also believe that learning about articulation and tone are keys to sounding like your favorite players whether it's Angus Young, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Lee or Mark Knopfler. Learning the nuances of each great player goes a long way to making you sound more professional. In general, I try to find ways to make all that as fun I can.


	Seth Forster Indiana native Seth Forster has been teaching guitar since 2001. He specializes in rock, from classic rock to modern, blues, country and classical guitar. He currently plays for the "outlaw country"/Southern-rock-oriented Aaron Navarro band, the R&B and pop-inflected Smash Riley, Latin-pop band Latin at Heart and maintains a solo classical guitar career. Inspired by the lack of guitar-oriented music in the early 90s and the discovery of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Seth was determined to put the electric guitar back in the forefront of rock music…at least in his own world. The classic rock staples-Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Neil Schon, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page-all had their impact, but so did the pop-oriented hooks of the new "alternative" bands like Green Day and Offspring. In contrast, Seth's guitar teacher was the former soul/jazz session guitarist Greg Moore who taught him about the importance of technique, theory and groove. After high school Seth attended Indiana University and graduated with a BA in Music where he studied under one of the world's most exciting classical guitarists, Atanas Tzvetkov. He also studied Music Journalism there and discovered the 70s and 80s alternative and punk/post-punk bands that would soon influence his playing. While at IU he was fortunate enough to have several classes with jazz legend David Baker and jazz guitarist Dave Devine. Meanwhile, Seth toured and recorded with the super-versatile Sideburn Mike & the Lawsuits, a rock-oriented 4-piece that hosted blues jams, headlined a jazz fest several years and consistently ranked amongst the top of the Reader's Choice Awards for best original and cover rock band at IU. A music fanatic for as long as he can remember, Seth prides himself on being able to play a variety of styles well. Duke Ellington once said something to the effect of "there are only two kinds of music: good and bad." With that attitude in mind, Seth approached all styles of guitar playing. An open-minded study of music helped him to develop as a player and teacher in ways that most players seem to neglect. It also lends itself to playing in a variety of settings, and his experience recording in the band Sideburn Mike and for his solo classical guitar CD, GuitArtistry, add to this. Teaching philosophy As a player who truly loves so many different artists and styles, I feel it would be impossible not to incorporate that sense of individuality into my teaching. Looking back, I couldn't have had a better group of instructors and mentors because they all focused on such different aspects. As a result, I've learned to look at each student as an individual. Though some are more serious or focused than others I feel that every student should learn proper technique, the importance of playing in rhythm and some basic theory. With this sort of a strong foundation the student will be able to learn songs quicker and be able to become independent instead of simply coming to me every time. It also helps the student be more creative so that he or she can write and play their own music. In every situation I try to make the theory as practical as possible by using examples of riffs or songs they know. I also believe that learning about articulation and tone are keys to sounding like your favorite players whether it's Angus Young, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Lee or Mark Knopfler. Learning the nuances of each great player goes a long way to making you sound more professional. In general, I try to find ways to make all that as fun I can.